Two engines are available in the Peugeot 308 GT. The most powerful option is a 1.6-litre petrol THP engine fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger. It produces 202bhp and 210lb ft, and can reach 62mph in 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 146mph.

Equipped with this engine, and a six-speed manual transmission, Peugeot claims the 308 GT is capable of averaging 50.4mpg on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are rated at 130g/km.

Also available is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre BlueHDI diesel with 178bhp and 295lb ft. CO2 emissions are 103g/km and an average fuel consumption of 70.6mpg is claimed. The diesel option comes with an automatic transmission, and takes 8.4 seconds to reach 62mph. It has a top speed of 136mph.

The French firm has also retuned the standard 308's suspension – which uses a MacPherson setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear – for reputedly sportier handling. The ride height has been lowered by 7mm at the front and 10mm at the rear.

The car sits on bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tyres and larger brake discs are fitted at the front and rear.

Inside, Peugeot has added new colored trim with red stitching, and aluminium accents for the pedals and door finishes.

The 'i-Cockpit' design from the standard 308 is carried over, but comes with new GT graphics for the infotainment system and driver display. The engine note has been made more prevalent in the cabin and Peugeot has also made the power steering firmer, all in an effort to make the car more engaging.

The 308 GT can be ordered from November. Pricing information has yet to be revealed but expect the GT model to be among most expensive in the 308 line-up. Prices for the current flagship, the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 6-speed automatic, start at £24,445.